Feb.~] OF PLANTING SHRUBS, &C. 23 



nearest to the eye, in order that they may conceal the naked 

 stems of the others. Generally when shrubs are planted, 

 they are small ; therefore, to have a good effect from the be- 

 ginning, they should be planted closer than they are in- 

 tended to stand. When they have grown a few years, and 

 interfere with each other, they can be lifted, and such as 

 have died, or become sickly, replaced, and the remainder 

 can be planted in some other direction. Keep them always 

 distinct, one from another, in order that they may be the 

 better shown off. But if it is not desired that they should 

 be thicker planted than it is intended to let them remain, 

 the small growing kinds may be six or eight feet apart ; the 

 larger, or taller sorts, ten to twenty feet, according to the 

 condition of the soil. 



Thick masses of shrubbery, called thickets, are some- 

 times wanted. In these there should be plenty of ever- 

 greens. A mass of deciduous shrubs has no imposing 

 effect during winter ; and, as this is not the proper season 

 for planting evergreens, (April, and the end of September, 

 or first of October being best,) small stakes can be placed 

 in the destined spot. Planting in rows, or in any plan of 

 a formal character, should at all times be avoided. 



In planting at this season, observe that the roots are not 

 much exposed to the air, especially if the wind be high and 

 sharp ; but it is always better, if possible, to defer the busi- 

 ness until good, mild weather. According to directions in 

 November, the ground will be well prepared, and only re- 

 quires a hole dug for the reception of the roots, which must 

 be considerably larger, that the roots may not be in the 

 least confined. Break the earth well at bottom, put in as 

 much as will receive the plant from one to two inches (ac- 

 cording to its size) lower than it has previously been in the 

 Nursery. If any of the roots are bruised or broken, cut 

 them off; then place the plant in the centre of the hole, 

 breaking fine all the soil that is put in, at the same time 

 shaking the stem a little, that the earth may mix with the 

 roots ; when full up, press all the soil down with the foot, 

 that it may, in some degree, consolidate about the roots, 

 and support the plant. Tall plants should have a good 

 stake for support, and place a small bandage between the 

 stake and stem of the shrub or tree, where the tie is made, 

 to prevent the bark from suffering by friction. Observe, 



